JACKIEO85

I was told the allot of people have H.Hernia's and are totally unaware they even have one. I didn't know about mine until after surgery and they told me they repaired it. It's actually a "good Thing" to have it repaired prior to, or at the time of LB surgery. Again some people experience problems with the band due to an un-diagnosised H.H. Being just 10 days post-op your going to feel all sorts of little aches and pains it's just the body healing. So long as it's nothing severe/on going and accompanied by a fever I think your safe... But don't ask me I can't have Peanuts due to Diverticulitis

YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!! I would love to do that !! and hang glide, and bungee Jump LOVE a good adrenaline rush!!!

GOOD LUCK!!! See you on the "other side"

Marci I'm so sorry that your going through this, the above comments are great! My concern is when I read that you have a herniated/slip of the band? If that is the case WHY? is your doctor leaving it in? I'm assuming that he's done an upper GI/ Ct Scan , something to show that the band has slipped. I know I wouldn't want to have to go though 2 separate surgeries But it might be better in the long run ? GOOD LUCK, if you have to wait I sure hope the time Flies by for you~

Well I don't know about the % of people that it doesn't work for but that IS one of the Complications that they list for the Band. And If your thinking about getting it out be sure that you and the doctor have Documented the problems you have experienced especially If you've had vomiting/reflux ANYTHING ... because sometimes the insurance will just look at this as Non-compliance, not band failure and possibly not see the need for removal. HOW long have you had your band? Good Luck ~

How to Get a Good Lap Band Fill First off, fills are usually given two months after having lap band surgery. Most people will need a fill, a few do not. Talk to your doctor to determine if you are in need of a fill. If you are needing to have a fill, which is just a short way of saying having saline added to the band, this article tells you what you need to know as far as prepping to get a successful fill. Water is your friend. You need to be well hydrated when you get a fill. Make sure you are getting six to eight full glasses for several days prior to your fill. Critically important is to make sure that you have enough fluids on the morning of your fill. If you fly in make sure to drink eight ounces of water for every hour your journey takes. You can bring an empty water bottle through the security check point and get it filled on the plane. Do not eat any solid foods within six hours of the fill and do not have a big or later dinner on the evening before. As always be mindful of restricted foods. Fluids the night before are indicated if you've been having any trouble with slipping or reflux. Nothing but fluids should be consumed following the dinner. Any food left in the pouch at the time of fill will make it impossible to obtain a good fluoroscope image or fill. You'll still pay for the fill, so make it worthwhile by following these directions. Avoid cold liquids an hour before the fill because they can cause the stomach to shrink and mess up the fluoro reading. Room temp is fine. It takes about two hours post fill for swelling to develop. When it does you may need to come back if you are over filled. If you travel a great distance it's best to stay overnight if possible. This is in case you are overfilled a little fluid can be extracted before you leave. Overfills are not common, but they do happen. If you were home before you found out, you'd need to travel back to have the unfill performed. This is especially important if you are going to Mexico or other country to get your fills. Last minute plane fares are super expensive. Following your fill you should only consume fluids for at least twenty four hours. This gives the stomach time to heal and get used to the tighter band. After the fluids a day of soft food should be undertaken and then finally solid foods. By the way, here is a chart that will help you to know if you've got the right fill amount. When you should not get filled. If you are having any trouble such as PB or vomiting with your current fill more often than once per week at the most or if there is any regular pain or if you are unable to eat or drink properly as it is. A fill may worsen things. As always a doctor needs to be consulted. You might even need to have your current fill reduced if you are suffering from these things. Other things about fills that are good to know. The fill process is a normal part of lap band and you should not be afraid of the fill process. If you are a woman, do not get a fill during or just before your menstrual period as the water retention will cause the fluoroscope and fill to be inaccurate. Things may be a bit different if you are pregnant as well, so it's important to let your doctor know of your pregnancy. You should live with a fill at least two weeks before deciding you need more. If you are maintaining a healthy weight loss, that is the ultimate indicator rather than a feeling restriction usually. Remember what you eat is very important. If you are choosing soft foods, junk foods, sweets, high calorie liquids, the restriction will have little impact. Only solid foods are useful for telling if the band is filled the right amount. Try a test meal of 2-4 oz of meat and one half cup veggies. You should be able to eat this and stay satisfied for three to four hours. Also remember to eat regularly. If you are hungry five hours after lunch it's not because your band isn't tight enough, it's because your really hungry and need to eat. Regular meals help you avoid snacks and convenient calories that sabotage your weight loss efforts with lap band and work to normalize your metabolism. Review the eating / food guidelines before fills. The fuller your band, the more it's necessary to be very strict with your eating. Things you might have eaten before will now cause discomfort or PB's. You really need to learn to recognize when you've eaten enough. Common signs you've eaten enough can include tightness in the chest or a feeling of fullness, a hiccup, a burp, etc. When you see these signs it's time to stop eating. Continuing to eat that this point can cause PB or slimming or other undesirable consequences not limited to, but including not losing weight.

I've been lurking for a week now so I guess it's time to introduce myself... I'm Sarah I live in St. Louis, MO, im 26 y/o and was banded May 14. Pre-liquids i weighed 303. day of surgery i weighed 289 and I have lost 279 today... Woo hoo!! 24 lbs down! WAY TO GO!!! I am still pretty sore at my incision site, but I'm pretty sure that's because he went through my belly button. And my port site is still a bit tender. But nothing intolerable... But oh my.. The first 24 hours I cried so many times,major surgery is an emotional rollercoaster.. my poor hubby didn't know what to do with me! Lol I didn't expect to be so sore, but I'm confident that its going to be completely worth it!! ;)It won;t take to long for the soreness to dissipate I haven't reacted bad to any foods yet ( just started full liquids today) but how do you know if you can't tolerate something your usually not going to react to any foods until you start FILLS... Do you throw up every time? No, not if you chew, chew, chew Has anyone NEVER thrown up? I'm sure some haven't but it happens, but there is a learning curve so that you don't vomit or slime That of course is my ultimate goal.. Mostly because I don't throw up very easily.,. It's awful GOOD LUCK .

Hiccups occur post op because of the swelling, when the diaphragm is irritated that is what causes hiccups, and being in such close proximity to the stomach. However, it can occur later when banded longer some people like to use it as a "soft stop" to tell them they are full. But it's not always a good idea since constant irritation to the Diaphragm can cause left shoulder pain, the diaphragm doesn't feel pain it refers it to the left shoulder.

I had my lap and removed about 10 days ago and I was wondering how long I should be "swollen"?you might have this feeling for a month or longer, sometimes it's gas, and the stomach healing and going back to a normal configuration It also feels like I have a rock beneath by belly button where my port used to b, um...interesting that your port was below your belly button mine is above it, just below my sternum (personal Doctor preference as far as placement I guess?)....I feel very bloated.completely normal But other then that, I am doing great. :)That's great!! Not too sore anymore and I only took pain meds for 2 days:) My and had slipped and I was not able to keep food or liquids down. I admitted myself to the hospital and they told me I needed to remove my and it was no longer safe to keep it in. I lost over 100 pounds and now I am working to keep it off:))) WELL GOOD LUCK !!!!! Thanks for sharing your experience Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!

I am 1 week post-op today. And it has been nothing like I thought. From the IMMENSE pain where my port is,​I don't remember port pain,BUT..keep an eye on it if that area becomes inflamed red or you develop a fever call your Doctor. to being HUNGRY! Like hungry, hungry hippo hungry! What?!? Plus when I weighed myself this morning, STOP weighing yourself, or your going to form an obsession with your scale, use the "fit" of your clothes, and the look of your body to gauge your loss. I'm thinking ok, one week out, 2 days w/ virtually no calories and then the next 5 days averaging about 750 cals a day, this oughta be good, right? What loss do I see? 1.4 lbs! What what?!? Are you kidding me?!? You don't have restriction YET! most people 1 week out don't you gain restriction when you start with your fills.All the pain and misery for that?? ​Longgggg Term success, PERIOD. unfortunately we live in a society that is all about INSTANT GRATIFICATION No matter how you chose to lose weight it's going to take time. I've lost more from having a good BM! So I threw in the towel. I gave up. I did what I know and do best and that is go to my kitchen to find my comfort. I went right to my pantry and grabbed... a donut stick. And ate it. And felt fine. Truth is I advanced myself well beyond what the guidelines are for my timeframe. I started mashed potatoes and refried Beans at 4 days post op Not to add to your Pain but, not following your post-op instructions will only create problems in the long run. Possible LB COMPLICATIONS :oI was hoping the donut stick would make me feel sick so that I would be more inclined to stay away next time I'm drawn to that nasty, sugary place, but it didn't., And it's not going to, We all got here by using food to comfort us, It's best to learn to deal with the issues that you might be having and learn to deal with those along the way.Having the LB is a TOOL ~it won't stop you from eating the wrongs foods, and it's not about NEVER eating those foods you love either, it's about making better choices, use it to your Advantage know your NOT alone, we've all been there, and no LIES..it's NOT easy but YOU CAN DO THIS!! But anyway, I am now in the depths of despair. If I am doing this poorly on my diet at a week out, barely losing weight, am I doomed to fail? I'm afraid I made the biggest mistake of my life getting this surgery and that I won't be successful whatsover. How do I fix this? Can I fix this? Can I fix me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~WELCOME~~~~~~~~~~~ Did you have questions? Are you already banded? :ph34r:

Hi bandies! I am scheduled to get banded in NYC at the end of June Congratulations on your DATE. I have gone through all doctor appts and two sleep apnea tests, which might I add was terrible! Now that the time is coming closer to when I am having my surgery, I am becoming nervous (even had one or two dreams about it, Nervousness is natural, It's major surgery after all I have sleep apnea and getting the machine soon. I hate the apnea mask, as I get restless and claustrophobic It is possible to just use a nasal canulla for sleep apnea , but remember the mask is more efficient in getting Oxygen into the lungs to keep your Co2 stats up What can I expect after surgery regarding that? I do not want to wake up from surgery w/ the mask on I don't know for sure but in most cases I don't think they will need to use a mask since they will control all the oxygen levels during surgery, and your not going to be sleeping, that being said if your levels decrease post-op they might need to use a mask while in recovery. I want to be as comfortable as possible as I know I will freak out. Also, I have been reading a lot of forums that talk about gaining weight, not losing and a lot of shoulder/neck pain. I am starting to overthink and worry Your truly going to drive yourself CRAZY if you keep reading about all the "what if's". It's great to learn about the possible complications (forewarned) BUT...the most important research is to look for all the different diets that are suggested, and the PROPER way to use your Band. Because allot of people DON'T get all the information that they NEED from their health care professionals I am not one to tolerate much pain.Then make sure you have Pain/nausea medication BEFORE I'm starting to have second thoughts but I do know regardless of 2nd thoughts, I will go through with the surgery. Wondering if the sleeve was a better choice Did you ask your Doctor about any other surgery? It's never too late to learn about the options. I am 27, 215lbs, 5'2 in height, have pcos and sleep apnea. Oy Good luck on your Journey

Actually YES ANY rapid weight loss DOES cause Gallbladder problems, so that includes the band How may rapid weight loss increase my chances of getting gallstones? Losing weight very quickly may increase your chances of forming gallstones. If you have silent gallstones, you may also be more likely to develop symptoms. People who lose more than 3 pounds per week may have a greater chance of getting gallstones than those who lose weight more slowly. Is weight cycling a problem? Weight cycling, or losing and regaining weight repeatedly, may also lead to gallstones. The more weight you lose and regain during a cycle, the greater your chances of developing gallstones. When trying to lose weight on your own, stay away from "crash diets" that promise to help you drop the pounds quickly. Aim for losing weight at a slower pace and keeping it off over time. Some ways of treating obesity, such as weight-loss surgery and very low-calorie diets (VLCDs), may increase your chances of developing gallstones by promoting rapid weight loss. Weight-loss surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines to help people lose weight by limiting food intake and/or by affecting how food is digested. A very low-calorie diet is a very restrictive diet that uses a commercially prepared formula providing about 800 calories per day. A health care provider closely supervises these types of diets. Several factors may increase your chances of having problems with gallstones after weight-loss surgery or a VLCD. They include: existing gallstones before your surgery or VLCD, especially if they are causing symptoms a large amount of excess weight before the surgery or VLCD very rapid weight loss after the surgery or VLCD Your chances of developing gallstones may vary by type of treatment. Diets or surgeries that cause very rapid weight loss may be more likely to lead to gallstone problems than diets or surgeries that lead to slower weight loss. If you are starting a VLCD or having weight-loss surgery, talk to your health care provider about how to reduce your chances of getting gallstones. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gallstones.htm#d

I'm going to play the devil's advocate here and ask if you've considered or researched other WLS' ? I ask because your insurance is going to cover your surgery while allot of insurances are now denying ANY type of WLS in there coverage. And while all of the different WLS' have complications the LB seems to have a high rate of revisions. (yes, I have one and don't look forward to that possibility) Sorry.. now that I've read your entire post I see you indeed are going to a seminar on all the WLS' WHICH IS GREAT!! They will probably make a decision on which WLS' is best for your BMI, sleep apnea, past history of weight loss etc... GOOD LUCK on whatever you decide and we'll all be here for HELP and support no matter what you decide

The doctors are favoring the band less not only because of the complications that previous studies have stated but because of the complications that they and other surgeons have experienced since banding people. And since the LB seems to have a higher rate of revision surgery that might be a deciding factor? JMHO

LAP-BAND® Diet Once you have progressed thru your post-op diet of liquids and pureed foods, you will once again be able to eat normal foods. Eating with the Lap-Band The biggest change will be in the size of your meals and the new eating behaviors you will have to adopt. The Lap-Band will help control how much food you can eat, but it will be up to you to make healthy food choices. The LAP-BAND® procedure works best with solid foods to decrease hunger. Solid foods stay in the stomach pouch longer, so you should feel full after eating only a few ounces of food. In order for your body to remain healthy and function properly, it will be important to choose foods are high in Protein and nutritional content. Your diet will ideally include: low-fat Proteins (select meats, fish, skinless poultry, eggs) fruits and vegetables healthy breads and cereals dairy products (good source of Calcium, but choose non-fat or low-fat) heart-healthy fats Your doctor will work with you in developing a new diet plan. Some of the important guidelines for eating with the LAP-BAND® are: Eat only three small meals a day - this is all you need. Do not snack between meals. Eat only solid foods at mealtime - this is how the LAP-BAND® works to restrict food. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, about 15-20 times a bite, until it reaches a liquid consistency - this will help to create the feeling of fullness and make it less likely for food to get stuck in the LAP-BAND® pouch. Stop eating when you feel full - eating too much can result in pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also stretch the LAP-BAND® pouch. Choose healthy foods - make sure you are getting enough protein and nutrients. Do not drink while you eat - this will wash down the food and you will not reach the feeling of fullness, defeating the purpose of the LAP-BAND®. Do not drink for 30 to 45 minutes before or after meals. Liquids with the LAP-BAND® It is important to drink plenty of fluids during the day in order to stay hydrated and replace the Fluid that is lost due to weight loss. If you become dehydrated you may experience a loss of energy, lightheadedness, dry skin, and nausea. You should choose low-calorie liquids and try to drink about 6 - 8 cups of fluid a day Water is a good choice, but other drink options include low-calorie, non-carbonated liquids, such as artificially flavored drinks, broth, tea, and black coffee (without sugar). Avoid drinking fluids with meals as they move food thru your LAP-BAND® pouch too quickly. http://www.lapband.us/lap-band-diet.html You can check my signature line for other pre- post op diets.

If that is what he says, I'd follow his guidelines, but in allot of cases it's usually suggested to go on Liquids...due to inflammation.. Can I ask WHY? he did an un fill? was it a total or partial un fill...

Well since the OP was asking about post-op Gall Bladder Surgery that is what I was responding to If anyone wants a LB diet just check my signature line :ph34r:

The liquid diet definitely HELPS with Pre-op and post-op weight loss. but the band deals with restriction and until you start feeling that restriction you'll need to deal with all the other issues...Head hunger, exercise,etc.... Eating with the Lap-Band The biggest change will be in the size of your meals and the new eating behaviors you will have to adopt. The Lap-Band will help control how much food you can eat, but it will be up to you to make healthy food choices. The LAP-BAND® procedure works best with solid foods to decrease hunger. Solid foods stay in the stomach pouch longer, so you should feel full after eating only a few ounces of food. In order for your body to remain healthy and function properly, it will be important to choose foods are high in Protein and nutritional content. Your diet will ideally include: low-fat Proteins (select meats, fish, skinless poultry, eggs) fruits and vegetables healthy breads and cereals dairy products (good source of Calcium, but choose non-fat or low-fat) heart-healthy fats Your doctor will work with you in developing a new diet plan. Some of the important guidelines for eating with the LAP-BAND® are: Eat only three small meals a day - this is all you need. Do not snack between meals. Eat only solid foods at mealtime - this is how the LAP-BAND® works to restrict food. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly, about 15-20 times a bite, until it reaches a liquid consistency - this will help to create the feeling of fullness and make it less likely for food to get stuck in the LAP-BAND® pouch. Stop eating when you feel full - eating too much can result in pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also stretch the LAP-BAND® pouch. Choose healthy foods - make sure you are getting enough protein and nutrients. Do not drink while you eat - this will wash down the food and you will not reach the feeling of fullness, defeating the purpose of the LAP-BAND®. Do not drink for 30 to 45 minutes before or after meals.

Gall bladder issues ARE and CAN BE related to ANY weight loss surgery, it's a FACT. Now as far as waiting to have surgery to get the lap band, ASK your Doctor ...GB surgery recovery is usually 2 weeks There are some foods that should be avoided after gallbladder surgery. Generally, any foods that gave you pain before surgery will need to be avoided. It will take awhile for your body to learn how to digest fats so you should stick to a low fat diet for at least a few weeks after surgery and reintroduce them very slowly. Dairy products and too much Fiber can also cause problems. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) should be avoided if you are having problems with constipation. However, if you are having diarrhea you may want to eat more of these foods. Every one should avoid these: Fried food Dairy Products Especially cheese Peanut Butter Red meat Greasy Foods Raw Vegetables Caffeine Alcohol (especially if you're on prescription pain pills!) It's not uncommon for a Doctor to do a H. hernia repair while doing the Lap Band, seems like gall bladder could also be removed at the same time BUT....most surgeons aren't going to do that due to insurance limitations, especially when they get have the surgeons do 2 surgeries and get paid double

Soccer Blue from the record on your post it seems like YES you have MIGHT have "OTHER ISSUES" has your doctor checked out anything? I know in the past when I experienced reflux I was immediately given a PPI, but when it continued to happen I had endoscopy to check to see if I was having any issues like a slip, and to check the esophagus Allot of times what isn't understood is that a small fill is better than a large one, the gradual increase of saline in the band will HOPEFULLY prevent re flux tightness, etc...It might be tougher to have small fills ( you have to work harder and longer to reach Max. restriction) but I'm a believer that it's prevents issues in the long run . Please keep us posted...

AND you will!!! been there done that ! And so have many others on this site. I'm curious as to WHY? your Doc chose to leave you unfilled for 2-3 months? Did he possibly think that you might have had a slip or pouch enlargement? I've had un fills for the same reasons but was always able to go back a month later to continue with my fills. NO WORRIES!!! get back on the BAND WAGON (excuse the pun) And we will ALL be here to cheer you on!!

Ok I just had my lap band surgery on Tuesday Congratulations on your Journey!! and I've been having a difficult time. Has anyone experienced pain in their shoulder that traveled up their neck? Pain in the neck and shoulder is normal immediately after surgery ONLY it's usually CO2 gas that they put into the body cavity to do Laprascopic surgery, it helps to WALK ALLOT, and will will eventually subside http://www.buzzle.co...ic-surgery.html I felt I was 100% committed to making these changes but I find myself getting irritable and sometimes angry,Totally understandable, You've gone through MAJOR surgery and it's NOT A WALK IN THE PARK, it's a disruption to your entire system. I knew it was going to be more than just changing eating habits I just didn't think that I would be so emotional!! I'm hoping it will get better I'm not going to LIE IT'S HARD, YES, it gets better but keep your eye on the PRIZE, which is going to be a Smaller , Healthier you!